I am a Technical Writer, which means I use my electronic and mechanical expertise to write user manuals and training guides for end users. I have always written, and I got into this career as a natural extension of my love of writing and science.
It all began many years ago, when I joined the Navy. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, at that time, so I went to school for languages. That didn’t work out, and I was transferred to another base, where I learned to be a Radioman.
At that time a Radioman in the Navy, not only worked with computers, electronics, etc., but also was in charge of typing and sending messages. I learned more than I ever thought I could about frequencies, and electronics. I also learned the language of engineers (both mechanical and electrical). I’m not going to lie; it was hard work with long hours and a very strange schedule. It was also a lot of fun.
As time went on, I was transferred to a unit, where Radiomen were used as Secretaries, because we could type. It was a training unit. I learned about different computer systems and programs, and the ins and outs of training. My job was to create training manuals and brochures. I learned how to take complicated concepts and distill them into something that a normal person could easily understand.
After I was discharged, I went to work for the Federal Government in the Training Department. I spent ten years there creating training manuals on everything from computer information systems to sexual harassment.
In recent years, I have been able to my love of writing, and interest in science (frequencies, engineering and computers) and combine it with my training experience to become a Technical Writer. I went about breaking into this career the hard way. There are college courses and even a degree that someone who wants to become a Technical Writer can take and by pass the many years of hard work that I put in.
However, I believe those years prepared me for the challenges and the stress associated with my chosen career; there are deadlines and quality standards that must be met. I know that I am much better equipped, than my co-workers, to speak with mechanical and electrical engineers. I understand blueprints and schematics and I can take this information and create something useful and meaningful for the end user. I would not have been able to do this if I hadn’t learned the basics in the Navy.
If a person wants to break into Technical Writing, I would suggest they first take a college course or two in Technical Writing and English. Then, learn as much as they can about training design, and lastly, learn about engineering. Currently, companies are in need of people who can write meaningful users manuals for complicated equipment. It’s interesting and fun.